Effective network configuration management (NCM) is critical for modern IT infrastructure. As networks grow larger and more complex, manually tracking changes and ensuring correct configs becomes impossible. This is where automated NCM solutions come into play.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top 9 network configuration management tools to streamline this process. Whether you manage a small business network or a Fortune 500 multi-site infrastructure, there is a solution tailored for your needs and budget.
An Overview of The Top 9 Tools
Here is a snapshot of leading solutions with key capabilities and ideal use cases:
| Tool | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| SolarWinds NCM | Configuration backup/restore, detailed reporting, bulk config changes | Mid-size to large networks |
| ManageEngine | Compliance monitoring, mobile access, multi-vendor support | Highly regulated sectors |
| WhatsUp Gold | Network mapping, layer 2/3 monitoring, integrated dashboard | SMBs and remote monitoring |
| RANCID | Open-source, CVS integration, SSH access | Budget-conscious teams |
| TrueSight | Automated remediation, change tracking, real-time alerts | Large infrastructures |
| Batfish | Vendor agnostic, route analysis, pre-deployment testing | Cloud and hybrid networks |
| WeConfig | Zero-touch provisioning, redundancy support, rollback | Industrial networks |
| NetConfig | Intuitive UI, multi-tenancy, REST APIs | MSPs and network consultants |
| Pulseway | Mobile access, remote control, alert integrations | Distributed networks |
Now let‘s explore the capabilities, pricing, pros and cons of each solution in detail:
1. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager
SolarWinds NCM is a complete network automation and configuration management tool trusted by 100,000+ IT teams globally. With its intuitive web UI, this is one of the easiest to use NCM solutions in our list.
Key Features
- Schedule automated configuration backups with optional encryption
- Restore entire configs or selected parts as needed
- Compare device configs to monitor changes
- Bulk modify settings across multiple devices
- Compliance and security standards enforcement
- Ready-to-use reports for change tracking audits
- Email, SMS and mobile app alerts
Pricing and Licensing
SolarWinds NCM pricing starts at $2,575 for up to 100 monitored elements. Volume discounts available. Free 30-day trial offered.
Pros
- Comprehensive network automation capabilities
- Scales to monitor 10,000s of devices
- Fast ROI with easy setup and use
Cons
- Higher investment for small businesses
Ideal Users: Mid-size to large enterprises managing Cisco, Juniper, HP, Arista and other multi-vendor networks.
2. ManageEngine OpManager
ManageEngine OpManager excels at compliance-centric network configuration management across on-premise, virtual and cloud environments. It is also a cost-effective solution supporting over 200 device types.
Key Features
- Detect unauthorized configuration changes
- Maintain config standards across devices
- Rollback configs to previous state
- Mobile app for on-the-go monitoring
- Assess compliance with regulatory policies
- Integration with Active Directory
- REST APIs for third-party integrations
Pricing and Licensing
OpManager pricing starts at $245 for managing up to 10 devices. Enterprise quote-based plans available for large infrastructures. Free trial offered.
Pros
- Strong audit and compliance capabilities
- Cost-effective for mid-size networks
- Good 24/7 technical support
Cons
- Steeper learning curve than competitors
Ideal Users: Mid-market and enterprise IT teams in highly regulated industries like finance, healthcare etc.
3. WhatsUp Gold
WhatsUp Gold simplifies network monitoring and configuration management for SMBs. Its automated discovery, detailed mapping and intuitive dashboard accelerate troubleshooting across on-premise and cloud networks.
Key Features
- Auto-discovery of all connected devices
- Interactive network maps
- Monitor wireless networks
- Configuration change tracking
- Customizable alerts and reporting
- Secure remote access
- Compliance audits and documentation
Pricing and Licensing
WhatsUp Gold pricing starts at $2,690 for monitoring 50 devices. Volume-based discounts offered. Free trial available.
Pros
- Intuitive web interface and dashboards
- Rapid automated network discovery
- Scales to large networks via add-ons
Cons
- Limitations for advanced network automation
Ideal Users: SMBs and stretched enterprises needing unified network visibility. MSPs offering remote monitoring services.
4. RANCID
RANCID is a popular open-source network configuration management tool leveraging CVS source control. While lacking fancy GUIs, it reliably handles core config monitoring needs for Linux administrators on a budget.
Key Features
- Free and open-source (GPL license)
- Central config repository with CVS
- Manual and scheduled config backups
- Roll back changes by restoring previous versions
- Group-based access control
- Email/SNMP notifications on config changes
Pricing and Licensing
RANCID is an entirely free NCM solution. You only pay for hosting it on your own server infrastructure.
Pros
- Budget-friendly option
- Easy to install and maintain
- Integrates well with existing tools
Cons
- Dated interface and limited features
- Steep learning curve
Ideal Users: Linux and open-source centric teams with expert admins on tight budgets.
5. TrueSight Automation for Networks
Part of BMC‘s TrueSight product suite, this enterprise-grade solution offers advanced real-time network configuration and change management for large infrastructures. If you manage 10,000+ devices globally, TrueSight is a top contender.
Key Features
- Detect network issues before they impact users
- Map config changes to responsible teams
- Automatically remediate unauthorized changes
- Enforce compliance with various standards
- Integrates with BMC solutions (Remedy, Helix, Atrium etc)
- Custom reporting on key performance metrics
Pricing and Licensing
TrueSight is offered on an annual subscription model. Pricing not publicly listed. Free trial available on request.
Pros
- Proactive and intelligent automation
- Optimized for large scale operations
- Impressive third-party integrations
Cons
- Overkill capabilities for smaller networks
- Complex deployment and usage
Ideal Users: Global enterprises managing 10,000+ network devices across multiple locations.
6. Batfish
Batfish is a disruptive vendor-agnostic network configuration and change management platform. With its unique focus on modeling network behavior prior to deployment, DevOps and NetOps teams can build resilient hybrid cloud architectures.
Key Features
- Vendor independent configuration analysis
- Assess impact of changes pre and post deployment
- Troubleshoot connectivity and performance issues
- Continuous validation of network security posture
- Integrates with Kubernetes, Terraform and other DevOps tools
- Compliance checks based on industry standards
Pricing and Licensing
Batfish pricing not disclosed. However a free community edition for small teams is available. Free trial offered on enterprise version.
Pros
- Innovative solution bringing NetOps and SecOps together
- Cloud-native and vendor agnostic
- Boost efficiency for network architects
Cons
- Advanced capabilities have learning curve
Ideal Users: Forward-thinking network engineers designing cloud and hybrid network architectures.
7. WeConfig
WeConfig simplifies network configuration management across industrial environments like energy, oil and gas, transportation etc. With its automated workflows and modular architecture, it ensures resilient operations for field sites and control centers.
Key Features
- Zero-touch provisioning and automated upgrades
- Efficiently manage field sites at scale
- Failover and redundancy management
- Integrated with Westermo Lynx switches
- Configuration change tracking and version control
- Complies with NERC CIP standards
Pricing and Licensing
WeConfig pricing not publicly listed. Monthly subscription plans offered based on number of managed devices. Free trial available on request.
Pros
- Specialized for critical industrial networks
- Optimized workflows for field sites
- Minimizes risks of unauthorized changes
Cons
- Niche capabilities beyond industrial networks
Ideal Users: Operations and engineering teams in utilities, transport, oil and gas and manufacturing industries.
8. NetConfig
NetConfig simplifies network configuration management for managed IT service providers via multi-tenant architecture, rule-based automation and REST APIs. This makes it easy to onboard new clients rapidly.
Key Features
- Multi-client network monitoring
- Client specific configuration standards
- REST APIs for integration with RMM and PSA tools
- Schedule configuration backups as needed
- Two factor authentication for security
- Role based access control
Pricing and Licensing
NetConfig is priced per managed device starting at $1. Volume discounts offered for service providers. Free trial available.
Pros
- Optimized for use by MSPs
- Scalable for managing client networks
- Affordable monthly pricing model
Cons
- Limited advanced capabilities beyond MSP use
Ideal Users: SMB focused MSPs, network consultants and break-fix partners who need simplified network configuration management across customer endpoints.
9. Pulseway
Pulseway is a leading remote monitoring and management solution (RMM) including network configuration management capabilities tailored for MSPs. With mobile app access and alert integrations, it simplifies supporting distributed multi-site networks.
Key Features
- Unified endpoint monitoring and NCM
- Support for switches, firewalls and load balancers
- Backup and restore configurations
- Android and iOS mobile apps
- Web portal for NOC dashboard
- Alert integrations with PSA tools
Pricing and Licensing
Pulseway pricing starts at $1.06 per endpoint monthly when billed annually. Per admin pricing model available for MSPs. Free trial includes full functionality.
Pros
- All-in-one RMM and network management
- Feature rich mobile capabilities
- Works well for MSPs
Cons
- More limited NCM capabilities vs specialized tools
Ideal Users: MSPs supporting small and mid-sized business networks across multiple locations.
Choosing the Right Network Configuration Management Tool
With continuous changes across modern hybrid network environments, NCM solutions are invaluable for both operations and security.
When evaluating options, ensure the shortlisted tools align with your budget, team skills and infrastructural needs today as well as future plans. Other aspects to consider include depth of integrations, scalability, ease of use and vendor reputation.
Trying out free trials before purchase allows your administrators to validate features, UI experience and suitability. Overall the goal is simplified network configuration management workflows to delight customers and accelerate business.
